Alberta · designated trade
Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Tower Crane
2-Period Apprenticeship ProgramCompulsory CertificationRed Seal
Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Tower Crane is a designated trade in Alberta. The Tradesecrets page lists a 2-Period Apprenticeship Program. Certification on that page is recorded as Compulsory Certification.
These facts were checked for Alberta on 4 October 2026. They do not by themselves apply in another province or territory. Tradesecrets and the Government of Alberta do not endorse TradesAtlas.
Crane and hoisting equipment operators service and operate the hoist and swing equipment used to move machinery, materials and other large objects. Tower crane operators service and operate traveling, fixed, climbing or self-erecting type hoisting equipment with a vertical mast or tower and a jib. Tower crane operators are often involved in assembling the crane onsite.
- Source
- Tradesecrets profile
- Last checked
- 4 October 2026
Apprenticeship Education Program
Credential
- Certificate of Achievement
Certification
- Journeyperson Certificate
- Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
Program Requirements
- 2 periods (levels)
- Period 1:
- 1320 hours work experience
- 6 weeks classroom instruction
- Period 2:
- 1500 hours work experience
- All periods:
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
- 6 weeks in period 1
- Classroom instruction for this apprenticeship program is currently suspended.
- Information about this suspension and how you can continue to progress in your apprenticeship is available here. Information about this suspension and how you can continue to progress in your apprenticeship is available here
- Apprenticeship training may be available through an alternative training provider. alternative training provider
- Entrance requirements:
- English 10-2 and Math 10-3
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
- 1320 hours in period 1
- 1500 hours in period 2
- Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
- Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
- Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
- Theory exam required to complete each period
- Red Seal exam option in final period
High School Credit
- Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
- Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Related Trade Certificates
- Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Boom Truck Operator
- Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Mobile Crane Operator
Trades Qualifier Program
Work Experience Program
- Complete 36 months and 4230 hours of verifiable Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Tower Crane work experience.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Pass a practical exam ($310.00).
- Candidates must provide their own certified crane for the assessment. Assessors will travel to the Alberta site indicated by the client.
Recognized Credentials Program
- Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Pass a practical exam ($310.00).
- Candidates must provide their own certified crane for the assessment. Assessors will travel to the Alberta site indicated by the client.
Employment in the Trade
Restricted Activities
- Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
- Restricted Activities List - Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Tower Crane
- Restricted Activities Info Sheet
- Board Order
Authorized Individuals
- To perform restricted activities, you must be:
- a registered apprentice or
- a certified journeyperson or
- hold a recognized trade certificate.
- Who can work in a designated trade?
- Classes of Individuals - Crance and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Tower Crane
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
- Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1).
Wages
- Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Tower Crane journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 70%
- Period 2: 85%
Recognized Credentials
- If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta.
Red Seal Endorsement
- You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.
Other public references
Find a business
A training provider named above is not a service business. A directory listing is not a licence.
This profile has no exact match to a directory category, so local businesses are not guessed.